The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I must admit that I have never used a potato as bait. So having been immersed in the writings of carp fisherman of the past I thought I might give the humble spud a go . Has anyone used them and any advice much appreciated ?

I used to fish for Carp with potatoes when I was a kid 30 years ago. I boiled them, pealed them and prepared a swim in my local river with a few handful of spuds for a few days. I didn't take the really big potatoes so that I could use a whole one as a bait. A lead on the mainline, a swivel and a large single hook to a 20 inch hooklength. The hooklenght pulled through the spud with a baiting needle. I was fishing rather close to the bank. I remember catching some double figure Carp like that.
I tried this method last year but unfortunately there are so many Round Goby in the river by now, that offering any bait on the ground is getting a nightmare. The Goby take literally everything no matter what size, when you cast it in front of them. As those little fish haven't arrived in the UK yet (and hopefully never will) you shouldn't have any problems catching selectively big carp on potatoe.

We used to use the small new potatoes that you get ready cooked in cans, just push a large hook into them till its covered then free line it in the margins.

Must try this again.

Anyone used then for other species like chub with success?

Thanks Gents I will get a couple of tins and report back !

I remember years ago using Cadburys Smash and fine brown crumb for cloud bait, it certainly drew the roach in.

Wal.

Only recently I have heard of pole fisherman at one of our club lakes using sliced potato soaked in coffee. These they then use as a punch bait. It has all the appearance of pellet, but because it is softer has greater hooking ability.​ Something I plan to try.

Stour Otter

I remember John Bailey saying on the Mr Crabtree TV program that he had never caught on a potato, despite trying several times. I have also read about people having to dump buckets and buckets of them into a lake before ever having caught on them. Why not make life easier for yourself and stick to the old favourites: spam, sweetcorn and bread?

I myself have never seen the point in trying something I have heard people struggle so much to catch fish with. But I wish you luck if you decide to give potato a try!

For the really big fat old carp you may be better off trying chips!

Stour Otter wrote:Only recently I have heard of pole fisherman at one of our club lakes using sliced potato soaked in coffee. These they then use as a punch bait. It has all the appearance of pellet, but because it is softer has greater hooking ability.​ Something I plan to try.

Stour Otter

If I remember it s a trick that bob nudd has used for years ,but keep it under your hat.